Report: Chargers team doctor exonerated

By Josh Katzowitz | NFL Writer

February 10, 2013 10:20 AM ET

Chargers team doctor David Chao was sued for malpractice and as The Associated Press wrote last month, “the Medical Board of California is seeking to revoke Chao's license and has referred the case to the state attorney general for possible charges” and “a complaint alleges gross negligence, repeated negligent acts and failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records.”

That's why NFLPA director DeMaurice Smith last month called for the NFL to remove Chao from his position with the Chargers.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, though, a three-person independent panel has unanimously exonerated Chao and said there was no basis for the player union's complaint.

During the week of the Super Bowl, Smith said Chargers players deserved better than to be treated by a doctor with Chao's professional problems. "The players of the National Football League deserve to have a doctor that's not been found liable of malpractice. And that's within the last year, by the way," Smith said.

The next day at his state of the league address, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell responded by saying, “In the collective bargaining agreement, at the union's request, we entered into an agreement that if there's an issue with any medical decision, there can be a resolution by engaging with [at least two] neutral doctors, including an NFLPA attorney. They will review the matter. As I understand it, that's exactly what's going on in San Diego.”

Thus, the decision of the three-person panel to evaluate Chao.

Since Smith made his claim, at least two Chargers players have supported Chao, including quarterback Philip Rivers, who said, “I have no complaints of the care Dr. Chao has provided me.”